Kabelo Masoabi
THE High Court has continued to send a strong message against violent crime by imposing a 20-year prison sentence on a Mokhotlong man convicted of murder.
Fose Chalo was sentenced by High Court Acting Judge, ’Manapo Motebele, after being found guilty of the brutal killing of Letsema Maekane at Malubalube village on 22 June 2019. The court imposed the sentence without the option of a fine.
Chalo, who pleaded not guilty, was charged alongside Realeboha Mohlahli, who later absconded while out on bail. The prosecution alleged that Chalo and Mohlahli acted with a common purpose, attacking the deceased with a sword and inflicting multiple injuries to the head and legs.
In his defence, Chalo, represented by Advocate Ramokoatsi, denied involvement in the crime. He told the court he was asleep when Mohlahli arrived at his home with a severe stomach wound.
“He said he had fought with the deceased, and I helped him seek medical assistance,” Chalo testified.
He added that he only learned of the deceased’s death the following morning.
“I was shocked when we were summoned to the police station. I knew nothing about what had happened,” he said, insisting on his innocence.
Chalo further claimed that state witnesses were falsely implicating him. He cited his poor health as evidence, saying he was recovering from 11 gunshot wounds sustained in South Africa two months prior to the murder.
“I had just undergone surgery before returning to Lesotho in April and was walking with a colostomy bag attached to my abdomen. I was still in a fragile condition and could only manage short distances, such as walking to a nearby village shop,” he told the court.
His mother, ’Mamoliehi Chalo, supported his account, stating that her son was bedridden and incapable of committing the crime.
“I cleaned him, changed his diaper, and cared for him closely. He was far too weak to have taken part in any murder. If he was present, I believe he could only have been a bystander,” she testified.
However, the court found the evidence of the Crown witnesses more credible. Village headman, Abia Leuta, testified that Chalo admitted involvement in the murder. Chief Leuta said he had encountered a police vehicle transporting the accused and, upon asking about the matter, Mohlahli stated that he and Chalo had killed Mr Maekane. When Chief Leuta asked Chalo to confirm, he reportedly did so.
Another witness, Mojakisane Moshoeshoe, testified that Chalo confessed to the crime at the police station. The investigating officer further told the court that Chalo voluntarily confessed and handed over the murder weapon — a sword — which was recovered from his home.
The court also heard that Chalo told his neighbour, Thetso Motaung, that he and Mohlahli had taken turns using the sword to attack the deceased.
The motive for the killing remains unclear.
Delivering her ruling, Justice Motebele said the evidence proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
“…accordingly, the court is satisfied that the Crown has proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The accused is therefore found guilty of murder with direct intent,” Justice Motebele ruled before handing down the 20-year sentence on Friday.